Overview

• The EU delegation was reduced to a sole representative, Antonio Costa, president of the European Council.
• Former prime ministers Felipe González, José María Aznar and José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero all skipped the event, and PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo said he could not share a stage with Sánchez to safeguard democracy.
• Pedro Sánchez attended after issuing an apology at PSOE headquarters and opened the ceremony by highlighting Spain’s journey from a young democracy to a full-fledged member of the EU.
• King Felipe VI warned that freedom and democracy in the EU must be defended every day and urged younger generations to embrace the European project.
• Hours before the ceremony, Santos Cerdán resigned amid allegations of criminal organization and bribery, casting a pall over the anniversary celebration.